Top Ranked Massage Therapy Schools Malvern IA

How to Enroll in the Best Massage Therapist Training Classes near Malvern Iowa

Malvern IA massage therapist working on shoulderEnrolling in the best massage therapist school near Malvern IA is a critical first step toward starting a fulfilling new career as a massage therapist.  As you have no doubt concluded, who wouldn’t want to work in an occupation where the primary goal is to help people feel and function better?  Massage therapists are employed in a wide variety of locations, including hospitals, day spas, health clubs and even aboard cruise ships!  But before beginning a career in this specialty of holistic healthcare, receiving the right training and licensing is a must.  And remember that massage therapist schools are not all the same.  When evaluating your options, it’s vital that you research all aspects of the schools you are considering and not make your decision based solely on location or cost of tuition.  Following are some basic tips that you need to incorporate into your due diligence process when choosing a massage therapist school.

What is a Massage Therapist?

knee massage therapy in Malvern IAAs mentioned in the introduction, massage therapy is a holistic form of healthcare in Malvern IA that helps people feel and function better. The massage therapist manipulates skin, muscles and tissue to reduce stress and relieve tension and pain in their patients.  Swedish, or Classic Massage, is the type of massage that most people think of when discussing massage therapy, and most massage therapy schools teach it as their primary form of massage.  However, there are many other types of massage that programs may or may not include within their course of instruction.  Following are just a few examples.

  • Neuromuscular Therapy Massage
  • Deep Tissue Massage
  • Sports Massage
  • Shiatsu Massage
  • Thai Massage
  • Hot Stone Massage
  • Pregnancy Massage

Professionals that work in massage therapy in Malvern IA should be referred to as massage therapists. From time to time one may hear them called a masseuse or a masseur, which refers to a female or a male massage practitioner. However, these terms generally carry a negative connotation among the general public and professionals alike and should be avoided.

Click Here to Get Free Information on Massage Therapy Schools Near You!

Massage Therapy Training Requirements

Malvern IA massage therapy school studentMost schools offering massage therapy require that the enrollee have a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. Programs can range in length from several months for a Certificate or a Diploma to as long as two years for an Associate’s Degree.  The lengths of the programs will also vary by State based on the number of hours required for licensing.  Another factor that may also influence the program length is whether classes are offered in Malvern IA during the day or in the evening.  Also, an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy may have general education requirements and are often transferable into a related Bachelor’s Degree Program.  Once you have received your Certificate or Degree, the education does not end there. The amount and type of continuing education you will need to complete will depend on the State where you are licensed.  Some states require both a certain number of hours of continuing education as well as specific education in subjects such as HIPAA compliance or ethics.

Massage Therapist Licensing

Once you have graduated from an accredited massage therapy school, you will then need to become licensed in the State where you will be practicing.  The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), is a test controlled and administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required by most States as part of the licensing process.  Some States have their own or additional exams, so check with your State prior to enrolling in a massage therapy program.  If you do not pass the MBLEx in the first attempt, you can take it again after 30 days but must pay an additional exam fee.  Once licensed, you will need to maintain it in most states, which means paying a renewal fee and satisfying renewal requirements.  As previously mentioned, renewal typically requires a certain number of hours of continuing education be completed.  And if you should move to another State, you will need to get licensed in that new State as well. Every State regulates massage therapy differently, so it is not safe to assume that you will automatically qualify for licensing. Check with your new State before moving to confirm that you meet the requirements to legally practice there.

What to Ask Massage Therapist Programs

Questions to ask Malvern IA massage therapy schoolsBefore you select a massage therapist program, there are some important questions that you need to ask about the programs you are considering.  As previously mentioned, the location of the school is important, particularly if you will be commuting to classes from Malvern IA. And of course the total cost, including tuition, books and all training materials will also be an important factor.  But beyond those basic qualifications, following are some questions you should ask so that you have all of the facts before choosing a massage therapy training program.

  • Is the School Accredited? Accreditation may be required for licensing as well as student loans or financial aid. It also helps to ensure that the program meets acceptable levels of quality.  Some Malvern IA employers also prefer job candidates from accredited schools.
  • Does their Curriculum Comply with EALP Standards? Entry-Level Analysis Project (EALP) standards were created by an association of massage organizations to define minimum standards for preparing massage school graduates for entry-level professional work.
  • What Massage Therapy Programs are Available? Find out if the type of program you are interested in is available, such as an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy. Also, if you need to attend evening classes near Malvern IA make sure that they are offered as well.
  • What Types of Massage Therapy are Taught? As previously mentioned, most massage therapy schools teach Swedish Massage. However, the better programs include multiple types of massage therapy.  Make sure that the program you choose includes those you are most interested in.
  • Is Financial Aid Available? To qualify for federal financial aid or a student loan, the school will need to be accredited by a national accrediting organization.  Find out from the schools you are considering what they offer in aid or if they assist students in obtaining funding from other sources.
  • How Long has the School Existed? One indication that a school provides a quality education is longevity.  However, all schools had to start from day one, and many fine schools are relatively new.  So use this as one of several qualifications when comparing schools.
  • Does the School have a Job Placement Program? Find out if the schools have job placement programs and what their placement rates are.  Ask if they assist with such skills as how to interview for a position and how to prepare a resume.
  • Is Plenty of Hands-On Training Provided? This includes classroom training as well as placement in internship programs.  The best massage therapy schools make sure that students have plenty of time to practice what they learn so they can develop their skills and be corrected when necessary.
  • What is the Background of the Faculty? Find out what the experience and credentials are of the teaching faculty.  Speaking with schools’ faculty in person can also provide valuable information. Before applying, arrange to take a tour of the school and talk with staff members and students if permissible. Schools may also have Open House events for prospective students.

Top Ranked Massage Therapy Schools Malvern IA

Malvern IA massage therapist with clientGood luck as you embark on your journey to begin a career as a professional massage therapist.  As with all things worth achieving, it will take a lot of hard work and dedication to succeed.  You originally came to this website because of your interest in Top Ranked Massage Therapy Schools and wanting to get more information on the topic Massage Therapist Education.  However, by following the suggestions contained within this article, you will have an excellent opportunity for success by enrolling in the right massage therapist training course.  And with the right education you will soon become a professional massage therapist servicing the Malvern Iowa area.

Other Massage Therapy Locations in Iowa

  • Therapeutic Massage Classes Near Me Ashton IA
  • Massage Therapist Schools Near Me Archer IA
  • Massage Therapy Curriculum Tiffin IA
  • Reputable Massage Therapy Schools Mallard IA
  • Best Massage Therapy Schools Baldwin IA
  • Massage Therapist Education Strawberry Point IA
  • The Cost Of Massage Therapy School Osage IA
  • Accredited Local Massage Therapy Courses Shellsburg IA
  • How Much Does It Cost To Become A Massage Therapist Lacona IA
  • Massage Therapy Classes Near Me Parnell IA
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

     

    Malvern, Iowa

    Malvern is a city in Mills County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,142 at the 2010 census. The Wabash Trace—a railroad converted to a bicycle trail—passes through Malvern. The Mills County Fair is held here, although Glenwood is the county seat. Malvern is the largest town in the eastern half of the county.

    The pioneer village of Milton was established in the fall of 1869. It was later renamed Malvern when it was discovered that there was already another Milton, Iowa. It was one of four communities in the area that came into existence with the completion of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad on November 18, 1869.

    The completion of the railroad soon brought a flood of new residents and business enterprises. White Cloud, a town of perhaps 200 persons and a variety of businesses, was located about where the present Wabash Trace Nature Trail crosses the Nishnabotna River three miles southeast of Malvern. It soon closed down when the new railroad was built two miles north. Several business enterprises and White Cloud residents moved to Malvern.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 22

    Downtown Omaha Massage
    24 Reviews
    Massage, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    1216 Howard St, Omaha Healing Arts Center, Omaha, NE 68102

    Executive Massage Therapy
    1 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    1508 Jf Kennedy Dr, Bellevue, NE 68005

    Bayliss Park Massage Therapy
    4 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    500 Willow Ave, Ste 502, Council Bluffs, IA 51503

    Take Five Massage & Spa
    6 Reviews
    Waxing, Day Spas, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    1103 Galvin Rd S, Ste K, Bellevue, NE 68005

    Utopia Massage
    16 Reviews
    Day Spas, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    1001 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68102

    Greg Norton, LMT
    2 Reviews
    Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    1213 S 6th St, Ste 500, 6th Street Massage Studio, Omaha, NE 68108

    Hoogeveen Chiropractic Wellness Center
    12 Reviews
    Chiropractors, Massage
    Phone:
    1301 Fort Crook Rd S, Bellevue, NE 68005

    Hillcrest Health & Rehab
    2 Reviews
    Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living Facilities, Home Health Care
    Phone:
    1702 Hillcrest Dr, Bellevue, NE 68005

    Ancient Wisdom Wellness
    5 Reviews
    Massage
    Phone:
    1114 Woodbury Ave, Ste 3, Council Bluffs, IA 51503

    Mercado John & Kimberly Lmt
    2 Reviews
    Massage
    Phone:
    327 4th Ter, Nebraska City, NE 68410